Chapter 40

Just as Hayden was about to see who was there, a sharp pain struck him again. He slammed his head against the pillow, trying to shake himself awake.

I rushed over and grabbed his hand. "Does your head hurt badly? Don't worry, I'll take you to the hospital."

Quickly, I pushed him away and got out of bed. Perhaps his pain left him too weak to resist. When I nudged him, he actually moved. I pulled his arm over my shoulder. "Lean on me."

Despite the splitting headache, Hayden remained alert. He looked at me, his eyes devoid of their usual suspicion and disdain, replaced by vulnerability and bewilderment.

"Relax. You'll be fine once we get to the hospital," I said casually, trying to help him up.

But I vastly overestimated my strength. I tugged at him several times, but he didn't move. Instead, he gently pulled me back down to sit by the bed.

I felt helpless. Was the strength difference between men and women really so significant?

"Why the hospital? It's nothing serious," Hayden said, keeping his tone light, though his face remained pale.

"But you looked terrible just a minute ago!" I was puzzled. He had been full of energy, then suddenly seized by pain—what on earth had changed? Now, he seemed calmer.

"You must be mistaken," Hayden said flatly, dismissing my concern.

I was taken aback. I hadn't expected such a response from the usually serious Hayden. My understanding of him seemed superficial at best.

After Hayden rested, there was a knock on the door. "Mr. and Mrs. Parker, it's time to eat."

Immediately afterward, Rita's voice followed, "Why did you come up here? Didn't I tell you not to disturb them?"

"But it's already noon," the young servant explained, sounding confused.

Rita was anxious, pulling the servant away. "What if Mr. and Mrs. Parker are busy? This new batch of trainees needs better training!" Just as they were leaving, the bedroom door swung open. I followed Hayden out and saw their shocked faces. "Did we disturb you?" Rita asked.

"No," I said casually, quickly changing the subject. "I'm really hungry. Is the full fish banquet ready?"

Rita hesitated before answering. "It's ready." She was puzzled, wondering why Hayden had recovered so quickly. Considering the time, he seemed rather weak. She decided she'd better prepare a hearty seafood feast for tonight.

Ignoring Rita's thoughts, I went downstairs.

The dining table overflowed with fish dishes—braised, steamed, boiled, and more. There was even delicious fish soup. I quickly began my meal.

While Rita served Hayden, she asked, "Why is the rosary bracelet missing from your wrist, Mr. Parker?"

I looked up and saw Rita staring at Hayden's bare wrist. He must have lost it during the chaotic coffee incident. I hadn't seen if he'd retrieved it or replaced it.

"The string broke," Hayden replied casually.

Rita was shocked. "You've worn it for so many years. How could it just break! The priest said you should always keep it on."

Hayden took a sip of soup. "I've worn it long enough."

I stared at him, realizing he'd changed drastically since the bracelet broke. Could it have been some kind of seal?

Hayden, who usually avoided me, had tried to touch me earlier. I quickly dismissed the thought; considering it during the meal felt embarrassing.

Hayden caught my gaze and asked Rita, "What's the plan for the afternoon?"

"Hot springs!" Rita exclaimed, her excitement evident.

My hand, holding my fork, froze. I quickly declined. "I'm not feeling well, so I won't go this afternoon."

Going to the hot springs with Hayden, in swimsuits? The thought of us observing each other felt awkward, especially after our earlier close encounter! Not to mention, Hayden's reaction.

Seeing my hesitation, Rita pressed on. "Mrs. Parker, you should soak in the herbal spring. It's really good for your health."

I clenched my teeth, ready to compromise. "Hayden probably doesn't like the smell of herbs. Why don't we soak separately?" Weighing my embarrassment against my health, I prioritized my health without hesitation.

Rita glanced at Hayden, worried. "What if Mr. Parker doesn't want to go either? Mrs. Deborah Parker specifically instructed me to create opportunities for them to spend time together."

"What could strengthen their bond faster than soaking in a hot spring together? It's still early, and I can't just send them to bed, right? I need to handle this carefully."

Then Hayden eased Rita's worries. "Who said I don't like it?"

His rhetorical question made me choke on my soup. My face flushed bright red as I coughed fiercely.

Rita hurried over to pat my back. "Are you okay? Take your time—it's no fun if you choke."

Choking wasn't so bad, but Hayden across from me was much scarier. I glared at him and said, "Why don't you take an herbal bath by yourself? I'll be quieter."

Hayden seemed to understand my attempt to distance myself, but he wasn't giving up. He smirked and replied, "I'll join you."

I sat silently, thinking he must be insane.

But Rita was ecstatic. "That's great! With you there, Mrs. Parker will definitely be happy, and she'll feel better soon."

Her voice trembled with excitement; I thought she might cry. But I couldn't share her joy; I wore a worried expression.

After dinner, I took a break and stared at the two swimsuits on the bed. One was a pure white two-piece—just revealing enough but still classy. It was Hayden's favorite style.

The other was black and skimpy, though not too short. The outer layer was black chiffon, but it might be too revealing.

My instincts told me the white one was safer. However, I'd told Rita I wouldn't dress to please Hayden. Choosing the white one now felt hypocritical. So, with trembling hands, I reached for the black swimsuit instead.